Apple is a global leader in environmental sustainability, with initiatives such as eliminating leather, reducing plastic packaging, and introducing eSIM to replace physical SIM cards. Here's the ultimate guide to eSIM and how it perfectly complements your iPhone.
Apple is a prominent global leader in environmental sustainability, as evidenced by initiatives such as reducing the use of plastic SIM cards by eliminating the SIM card slot. The company has introduced eSIM to replace physical SIM cards. Moreover, these innovations simplify the process for iPhone users to easily switch between local cell towers and international cellular networks, eliminating the need for physical intervention and streamlining phone configuration within minutes.
eSIM not only offers advantages in terms of domestic coverage, but also excels when traveling internationally. If you're abroad, an international SIM makes your adventures even more enjoyable by allowing you to connect seamlessly with a quick QR code scan in less than a minute, regardless of your location.
This convenience helps you avoid excessive fees, insecure Wi-Fi connections, long lines, and paperwork for your existing SIM card at the airport or in physical stores. eSIM is a game-changing tool. Let’s take a closer look and explore together our definitive guide to eSIM for iPhone.
What is eSIM?
A traditional SIM card is a plastic or PVC card that contains circuitry containing the technology needed to connect to a cellular network. eSIM embeds its circuitry directly into the device's hardware, eliminating the need for a separate card. This gives you full control directly from your phone without the need for any external devices.
Since the launch of Apple's iPhone 14 lineup, eSIM has become the standard, completely replacing physical SIM cards. A variety of iPhone models support eSIM, including the iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 lineup.
Local eSIM vs. international eSIM on iPhone
From a technical perspective, there is no fundamental difference between local eSIM and travel eSIM. Both support local cellular network connectivity, giving you access to calling, texting, and data features.
However, the real difference comes down to billing and availability. For example, travelers from the United States will have a local eSIM that connects to one of the major carriers, and travelers within the United States will typically not be charged roaming fees.
However, the same eSIM supports international roaming, allowing users to stay connected to the network wherever they are. However, these travelers are subject to airline rates and fees, which can cost hundreds of dollars, if not more.
Conversely, choosing an international eSIM is a great choice as it gives you access to international networks at a much lower cost. You can also enjoy unlimited data and local calls. iPhone also supports multiple eSIMs, so you can have one for home use and another for international travel. This approach allows you to utilize an international eSIM for use abroad while keeping the local number installed but not activated for roaming.
Why eSIM is better than a physical SIM card
SIM cards are an old concept in cellular devices, with the first Nokia phones using SIMs the size of giant SD cards. As time and technology have advanced, these physical cards have become smaller, such as the MicroSIM and NanoSIM that adorn many modern smartphones.
eSIM is the latest evolution in the long chain of SIM cards. It is smaller than previous SIM cards and integrates seamlessly into the device architecture, offering several key benefits:
- Reduced space requirements leave more room for other technologies.
- Prevents SIM removal if your device is lost or stolen.
- You can't get lost when exchanging cards
- I have multiple eSIM cards installed.
Additionally, because the eSIM card is part of the overall circuitry of your iPhone, it will last as long as the rest of the device. There is no need to replace the card with a new one because there is nothing to wear out.
eSIM compatibility is iPhone.
To check the compatibility of your device with eSIM, you have two options to choose from: the short method and the long method.
Longer method: Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to 'Available SIMs' or 'Digital SIMs'. If your phone is an eSIM Elite product, you will see the 15-digit IMEI number.
Apple products compatible with eSIM
Several Apple devices are compatible with eSIM, including:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later
- iPad mini 5th generation or later
- iPad 7th generation or later
- iPad Air 3rd generation or later
- iPad Pro 11-inch all generations
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation or later
- Any Apple Watch with cellular capabilities
Not all carriers support eSIM for older devices. Check with your carrier about eSIM availability for iPhone 14 and earlier.
Benefits of eSIM for Travel
As mentioned earlier, eSIM offers several advantages over a physical SIM, but one of the most important is that it is easy to use while traveling. eSIM simplifies the process of purchasing, installing, and activating cellular service on foreign networks with just a few taps.
Although it's convenient to swap to a different SIM card while traveling, many companies charge travelers exorbitant prices for providing cellular service. Holafly emerges as a much better option as a primary provider, offering eSIM for the low price of $1.20 per day with unlimited data. You can also get eSIMs for entire regions such as Europe, Asia or North America. For example, if you plan to travel across Europe to several countries, the traditional approach would require you to buy an eSIM or SIM card for each destination.
Holafly's eSIM for Europe gives you access to over 30 destinations with a single payment and up to 60 minutes of local calls. The company offers plans from 5 to 90 days and offers more than 180 destinations, most of which include unlimited data. You can easily purchase these plans through the website or eSIM app.
How to set up eSIM
- movement setting
- water tap Cellular or mobile data
- water tap Add mobile data plan
- water tap Enter details manually
- to follow guideline To enter data
To make it even easier, you can find a quick tutorial here.
How to remove eSIM after using iPhone
Currently, iPhone has the ability to save up to 20 profiles, and you can use them all. That doesn't mean you have to activate and occupy every feature.
space. As soon as you get home, you can easily disable it and free up space. Here's how to do it:
- Go to settings
- Tap Cellular or Mobile.
- Tap your eSIM line
- Select Remove mobile data plan.
Final thoughts on the iPhone's eSIM feature
The move to eSIM offers significant benefits to iPhone users in terms of security, portability, and environmental sustainability. Adopting eSIM technology increases the security of user data by eliminating the need for a physical SIM card, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or loss. Additionally, portability has been greatly improved, allowing users to easily switch between carriers and manage their mobile connections directly through device settings.
From an environmental sustainability perspective, the transition to eSIM contributes to reducing the production and disposal of physical SIM cards, in line with environmentally friendly practices. And with products like Holafly's international eSIM, you can now connect around the world in minutes without the high fees associated with your local carrier's roaming charges. So everyone has benefited from eSIM. Don't wait, join the eSIM wave and leave plastic and hassle behind.